Perfect Labor Storm 2.0 is a blog that highlights workforce trends, demographic shifts, and human resources changes that will change the way employers do business.

February 2005

February 15, 2005

Work dissatisfaction, reported in a 30 year study of absenteeism by The National Centre for Health Statistics, was the single best predictor of absenteeism. In addition, between 70% and 80% of absenteeism is stress related. According to research, the relationships people have with their work colleagues are 10 times better at predicting coronary heart disease than regular medical screening.

The cost of stress to U.S. employers ranges from $3 billion (according to Cigna Behaviorial Health) to $300 billion (American Institute of Stress).

February 04, 2005

Fact #344: In 1991 in the United States, only four states had an obesity prevalence of 15 percent to 19 percent. No state had an obesity prevalence of 20 percent or more. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control)

Fact #345: In 2003, 15 states had an obesity prevalence of 15 to 19 percent, 31 states had an obesity prevalence of 20 to 24 percent, and four states -- West Virginia, Indiana, Alabama and Mississippi --had a prevalence of 25 percent or more. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control)

Don't be caught in storm without all the facts. "The Perfect Labor Storm Fact Book: Why Worker Shortages Won't Go Away" is a must-read leading edge forecast that predicts workforce trends for decades to come.

February 03, 2005

Fact #342: Students in the United States finished in the bottom of mathematics skills when compared to students in 40 surveyed countries. Yet 72 percent of the US students said they got good grades in math, more than any other country. (Source: Organization for Ecocomic Cooperation and Development)

Fact #343: The United States ranked 28th of 40 countries in math and 18th in reading when comparing outcomes per dollar spent on education. (Source: Organization for Ecocomic Cooperation and Development)

Don't be caught in storm without all the facts. "The Perfect Labor Storm Fact Book: Why Worker Shortages Won't Go Away" is a must-read leading edge forecast that predicts workforce trends for decades to come.